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Finance officer

Alternative titles for this job include Financial officer, finance clerk, treasurer

Finance officers help to manage the finances of an organisation by keeping track of its income and controlling its spending.

Average salary (a year)

£19,500 Starter

to

£34,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 39 a week

You could work

between 8am and 6pm

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Finance officer

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

University

Some employers may ask for a relevant degree in a subject like:

  • finance
  • accounting
  • business studies

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

College

You may find it useful to do a college course, which could help you get a trainee job with a financial firm.

Courses include:

  • Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping
  • Level 2 Certificate in Accounting
  • Level 3 Certificate in Financial Studies
  • T Level in Accounting

Entry requirements

You may need:

  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

Apprenticeship

You can get into this job through an assistant accountant advanced apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You could start as a finance assistant or accounts assistant and then work your way into this role after getting experience.

Direct Application

If you want to apply directly for jobs you'll usually need GCSEs, including maths and English.

A levels in maths, business studies or economics may also be useful.

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You could become a member of the London Institute of Banking and Finance.

This would give you the opportunity to make contacts and access professional development training.

Further information

You can find out more about careers in finance from the London Institute of Banking and Finance.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of economics and accounting
  • business management skills
  • maths knowledge
  • analytical thinking skills
  • financial management skills
  • leadership skills
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As part of your day-to-day duties, you could:

  • record financial transactions on computer systems
  • produce financial forecasts
  • deal with payroll, invoices, expenses and VAT
  • resolve payment questions for external contractors
  • carry out financial audits
  • create budget reports
  • present reports to managers

Working environment

You could work in an office.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a senior finance officer, finance manager or train to be an accountant.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Accounts Assistant Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £15,000 a year Annually
  • Location: B19 3NG

Accounts Apprentice

  • Wage: £13,312 a year Annually
  • Location: Cannock, Staffordshire

Courses In England

Business Administration BTEC Diploma

  • Provider: SOLIHULL COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY CENTRE
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: Solihull

BTEC Diploma in Business Administration

  • Provider: NORTHAMPTON COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: DAVENTRY

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